2.12.15 | San Diego, CA | Calli Elmer thinks of space planning like solving a puzzle – and that’s what she loves best about her work.
 
“It’s hard to summarize all that I love about design, but, as a space planner, there is nothing better than solving a complicated puzzle. It’s what we do every day, right?!” says the designer with bkm OfficeWorks, a Steelcase dealership in San Diego.

She appreciates how a well-designed space can truly tap into emotion: “Not only are we creating beautiful spaces; we also are making people feel better by well-thought-through plans and appropriate furniture, and guiding users through how a space can affect their culture and identity as a company.”

Calli has been using Configura’s space-planning software, CET Designer, for more than three years. She had been using CAD-based software before being introduced to the Configura solution. She now uses CET Designer for all phases of a project, from creating conceptual space plans to producing quotes and ordering products.

“My favorite use of CET Designer is doing initial space plans and ‘test fits’ because the software makes it so easy. If you’re using Blocks, a space plan can take merely minutes,” she says.

CET Designer has changed the way she works by taking her from a “2D frame of mind” to thinking and designing in 3D. She says having this more conceptual mindset – and the ability to create spaces in 3D – is especially beneficial when working with clients and A&D firms.

“They’ve been very impressed with CET Designer,” she says. “I have yet to be in a meeting where they’re not amazed by how quickly we’re able to change a finish or alter a workstation. We’ve gained clients’ trust with our capabilities, which has definitely helped solidify relationships and win projects.”

She didn’t have any growing pains when she started using CET Designer. She focused on learning best practices and ways to make the software help her to be more efficient in her work.

She appreciates the support and training that come with CET Designer: “I have officially adopted the rule that if you can’t figure something out within minutes, then jump on Support. It’s saved me hours of troubleshooting on my own. CET Designer Support is amazing!”

When time allows, she likes expanding her skills by designing fly-thrus using the CET Designer Movie Studio Extension and creating high-resolution renderings in Photo Lab.

Calli submitted a fly-thru video in the 7th annual CET Designer Best of Awards, which received third place in that category. She said her dealership wanted to wow the client with a “funky and slightly retro” space plan. To really bring the design to life, she created the fly-thru so the client could experience the entire space. View the award-winning video here: https://vimeo.com/108881275. She also created renderings to show how various times throughout a day (morning, afternoon, night) could look within the space.

Calli’s favorite CET Designer tip is to use Blocks “wherever and whenever you can. Plus – practice makes perfect for renderings and fly-thrus, and if you have a large drawing that is acting slow, build your walls up as planning barriers so you can remove your CAD xref.”

Calli has a bachelor of arts degree in interior design from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked at a residential interior design firm in downtown Chicago where she helped to create designs for homes throughout Chicagoland.

“While it was a great experience, my passion was always to work on commercial projects. I was very fortunate to join the bkm team. My focus is more on new business and responding to proposals, which I love because every bid is a rush and every new client is a completely new experience,” she says.

She appreciates the warm vibe that San Diego brings: “San Diego is, hands down, the best city. Every day is sunny and 75 degrees – how can you beat that?!”

When she’s not working, she’s spending time with her friends, boyfriend and large lovable dog Dudley. Her weekends include paddle-boarding, brunching (“Yes it’s a verb here!” she says), and enjoying the free time to be outside and take in all that sunny San Diego has to offer.